Lightwater Cove - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

Lauren K.

My partner and I recently stayed at Lightwater Cove, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Living in Vancouver, we were looking for a peaceful escape from the city—and this resort was the perfect retreat.

Tucked away in a secluded part of Salt Spring Island, the property is absolutely stunning. From serene forest trails and a private beach to a hot tub, sauna, pool, and a beautiful botanical garden - every corner felt like a slice of paradise!

Each morning, we were treated to a delicious breakfast prepared by a private chef—such a thoughtful and luxurious touch.

Everyone there was incredibly welcoming and attentive, making us feel right at home throughout our stay.

We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

Theresa B.

My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of spending 3 days and 2 nights at the stunning Lightwater Cove Resort, and it was everything we needed—and more. From the moment we arrived, we felt wrapped in a sense of calm and beauty that stayed with us throughout our stay.

Each day started with a delicious farm-to-table breakfast that was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. We spent time in the mineral pool/hot tub/sauna immersion, wandering through the vibrant flower and vegetable gardens, and exploring the peaceful orchard. Every element of the property feels intentional, inviting you to slow down and reconnect with nature.

What really stood out to us was the energy of the place—it’s serene, welcoming, and restorative. We left feeling completely relaxed and recharged. The hosts and staff were incredibly warm, friendly, and informative, making us feel genuinely cared for.

We truly can’t think of another experience quite like this one. It was perfect from start to finish, and we’ll be recommending Lightwater Cove to anyone looking for a unique, peaceful getaway.

CoorsLightConnection

This location is beautiful and it’s a very beautiful building. The complimentary breakfast is nice as well.

When we arrived I was amazed at the sheer beauty and excited for our three night stay there.

About the second day after walking the grounds, I realized it there wasn’t too much to do there.

As far as amenities for the place, there really is none unless you want to pay. There is a pool and a hot tub, but you have to pay to use those, and only for an hour. It’s not that cheap.

There is a cove down at the beach that one could swim in, but that water is not very clean and filled with kelp. The views are nice though.

I would say if one just wants a quiet place to just read a book or lay their head somewhere, this is a great option. For anyone looking for activities, that will be other places on the island which is a bit of a drive to get to.

I don’t dislike this place at all, but for the price we paid I was expecting a bit more. Would have been nice to be able to relax in a pool or hot tub at the end of the day, especially with those views but they seem to have a niche and I respect them for that.

I just think for the money we paid we could have found better value on the island. Overall we had a good time and the staff was very friendly.

N6789ETalib

The resort and the grounds around it are absolutely stunning! |The breakfast was also lovely. |The rest of the stay was extremely underwhelming. |Our room was so small that they could only fit one nightstand in it. This sounds like a small thing but it’s really inconvenient to be comfortable without a nightstand. I was also a bit shocked that the room didn’t include any type of mini fridge, coffee or tea service or TV. The resort is very far from town so not having a fridge makes it very tricky to eat dinner on the property.|The oddest thing about the hotel is definitely the amenity situation. They advertise the pool and hot tub but they actually charge $220 per couple to use the amenities- and that’s only for 90 minutes! I have never seen this and I travel very often. |The pools were empty the entire time (expect for owners or staff who don’t have to pay to use them) and it just felt really rude. Mind you these rooms cost well over $600 per night plus taxes. We saw one couple try to jump in the hot tub and the male owner went running over scolding them and eventually agreed to let them use it just briefly. They had to really plead to use it and it just doesn’t make any sense to me. |We asked if we could use it and post some pictures online and they agreed to waive the fee for Instagram picture. |It was all.. just extremly odd.|I would consider returning if they ever decided to let guests use the pools . Until then I would rather stay at a competing hotel that actually allows you to use the onsite amenities.

Jeremy K.

We loved staying here. The experience was absolutely wonderful, and we would come back in a heartbeat.

That being said, I want to get across that this is not a typical hotel. It is more like staying at a super nice bed and breakfast. Its just like visiting an incredibly nice home, where you are left to your own devices. The rooms are awesome, the view is amazing, but its essentially like staying in someone's (very bare) room.

The walks around the gardens are transcendental. The beach is spectacular. The beds are comfy. The breakfast is to die for. The bathrooms have AMAZING showers. Truly, everything about this place is excellent. Even if you are looking for a "normal" hotel, I strongly recommend giving this place a try. I promise you won't regret it.

Adrienne S.

What an incredible experience at this hotel. The setting, sauna and views are unmatched - it’s actually excellent value for the experience. The breakfast that is included is Michelin-level. The chef Sue was so thoughtful and she created the most delicious omelette I’ve had in my life. She went out of her way to make sure I had a healthy meal on an early travel day which was very much appreciated. The rooms are spacious with comfortable mattress and linens. This is the perfect weekend getaway destination and well worth the cost. I definitely plan on coming back!

Nio P.

My wife and I spent a weekend at Lightwater Cove for our anniversary, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips we've ever taken. We’re so glad we chose this place. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed by the owners, Greg and Monica — such kind, thoughtful hosts who clearly pour their hearts into this space.

As soon as we stepped into our room, we felt instantly at home. The warm tones of the wooden furniture and the gentle fragrance of fresh flowers by the entrance and on the balcony added such a peaceful, grounding atmosphere. Everywhere you look, there’s a sense of artistry — the architecture and interior design are full of thoughtful details, and you can tell everything was created with love and intention.

The gardens and landscaping are just as magical. The way the building blends so naturally with the land, surrounded by vibrant greenery and gentle ocean waves, creates this seamless harmony between nature and human-made beauty. And the view… waking up to the cove with birds singing in the background felt like living inside a poem.

There’s so much more than I could ever capture here — hidden details, quiet surprises, and a feeling of peace that grows the more time you spend there. I’d definitely recommend chatting with Greg and Monica if you get the chance; their stories and vision bring even more depth to the experience.

Whether you’re looking for a serene retreat or a special place to spend quality time with loved ones, Lightwater Cove is a rare gem. It holds a special place in our hearts, and we’re already looking forward to coming back — maybe during a different season next time.

Kate B.

What an amazing experience! Situated 10 mins from the ferry and 20 mins into town. This was the perfect relaxing getaway.

We arrived earlier then check-in and they were able to show us to our room immediately. The beds are insanely comfy, the temperature can be adjusted within the room, and the bathrooms are very clean.

Sure you have to pay extra to use the hot tub, sauna, and pool but that’s made very clear before you book. The pictures are exactly what you get.

The breakfast is the best thing about this place. Made fresh to order using by local ingredients and then served to your table.

There are a couple of short trails nearby to explore the grounds as well.

The only thing I would mention that wasn’t made clear online is that the walls are on the thinner side. We were surrounded by families with younger kids so we could hear them a lot of times.

Overall, we will be recommending this hotel to anyone visiting Salt Spring Island!